Underdogs Pontypool hungry for WRU National Cup semi-final

The Wern will play host to a clash of the champions when Merthyr take on Pontypool in the WRU National Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

The Championship title holders face the Premiership leaders after they upset the odds to advance with a 23-8 triumph over Carmarthen Quins. And Pooler head coach Leighton Jones is relishing another chance for his underdogs to bite back and make it through to the semi-finals.

"We like the underdog tag and we love making a point against the big boys from the Premiership," said Jones. "We've got a strong squad this season with some strength in depth so we've been able to prioritise both the league and the cup.

"There's been a real buzz in training and myself, the players and the whole club are all looking forward to this game. It's not ideal that there's been a few Championship games called off recently so we've had to make due with intense training sessions. But it has allowed some of our players to have a rest and we are ready to go."

Pontypool comfortably beat Carmarthen Quins in the last round as they added another Premiership scalp to those of Llanelli and Cardiff who they defeated during last season's cup run.

The two sides last met in the Championship during the 2015/16 season with Pooler winning at the Wern 20-13 and the Ironmen triumphant at in the reverse fixture. But Jones insists they will have to play better than they ever have before if they are to cause an upset.

"Merthyr are an outstanding side with threats all over the park," he said. "They are extremely physical and they have plenty of pace in the backs, while they have got one of the best 9 and 10 combinations around. We are going to have to play better than we have ever have in the past to stand any chance. But the boys are quietly confident of putting up a good account of themselves."

Pooler are the only Championship side left in the cup, with the other three quarter-finals being all Premiership affairs. Two former winners, Cross Keys and Llandovery clash at Pandy Park, while Ebbw Vale travel to Bargoed and Bedwas host Newport.

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